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Thursday, August 11, 2011

A-Frame Pup Tents

Drew really pulled out the big guns on this one... I asked him to build some A-Frame tents... Or pup tents... I don't know... We found some online, but didn't like them 100%. We wanted them to collapse, and be made mostly out of wood...

Let's say he nailed it... We started off at WalMart buying twin flat sheet... Only $5, and I think these sheets go on sale sometimes.

Then it was off to Home (Away From Home) Depot...The sheets measure at 96"X66".*** Directions are what I remember from when we worked on it... make sure you measure for yourself before making cuts... Aka... think about what you're doing... We made it up as we went so this is more of a suggested way to do it rather then a template....*** We bought fir strips, or 8 ft 1X2's and cut them in half for the A-Frame, and then at 60" for the bottom middle. We bought 3/4" PVC and cut them at 60", so we could fold the sheets over and staple them to the wood so they wouldn't tear as easy. We also bought two 3/4" PVC end caps. Drew drilled 3/4" holes, two inches from the top for the PVC. **Wiggling the drill a bit to make the opening bigger for the 3/4" PVC to fit through, inside of PVC is 3/4" not outside, so making the hole a little bigger with the 3/4" bit helps it fit snug, but not too loose! I think if you use a bigger bit it will make the hole too big for the PVC and it won't fit snuggly into the hole, and the tent will collapse easier.

Drew cut the tops on 22 degrees, so that when opened the tops were a straight line, except for the one shown, I put those on backwards.... Oops! We left the bottoms flat, when the tents are opened the bottom is on an angle, but when collapsed and stored the bottom sits flush with the ground.

Drew drilled the bottom into the frame, wrapped the sheets over and stapled the fabric on the bottom... And voila! Insta Fun!

Later that night we painted we painted the insides of mason jars with Glow-in-the-Dark paint, for lanterns.

Huge hit... We just used the Crayola Glow-in-the-Dark paint, next time I'll look for paint that can be "recharged".

I am so doing this for my kids. They love building forts and have one of those Crazy Forts sets(is that what they're called?) but I find that the parts go missing and then I have to go for a mad hunt to find them. Kids love having a little place to crawn under so this is such a great idea. I love that they are collapsable and can be put away without taking apart.

Love that (and I'm sure the kids do too)! But quick question... how do you keep the tent from opening completely flat? Is there a notch somewhere so it will stay up like that without falling flat on the kids?

Love that (and I'm sure the kids do too)! But quick question... how do you keep the tent from opening completely flat? Is there a notch somewhere so it will stay up like that without falling flat on the kids?

Very cool!! We got all the parts today to make the tents for the kids for Valentine's Day. Although my husband was just checking, and he thinks the PVC needs to be 1/2". The 3/4" is too big! Any chance you meant 1/2"? Or are we missing something??

Very cool!! We got the parts to make the tents for the kids for Valentine's Day today...only looks like the 3/4" PVC is too big for the board! Any chance you meant 1/2"?? Anyway, we are off to exchange the PVC tomorrow and hope to have all the tents done in time for Tuesday morning!!! Thanks for the great project!!

Wow, thanks for all comments! Sorry for the late response, this was last summer, and all I can remember is what I wrote down, I'm sure googling a frame pup tents you can compare some other plans! Thanks!

I made 4 of these last night - they are fantastic and my children LOVE them! We used 1/2" PVC pipe and drilled holes w/ a 7/8" bit. They fit perfect. The 3/4" PVC needs a 1 1/8" bit which is almost too big for the 1x2's. The frame is a touch "flimsy" and I'm worried the bolts at the bottom will rip out of the soft wood - I may add another "beam" across the middle or a few inches above the bottom. We love them. Fun & simple!! Thanks so much for the plans.

@dubelclique! Glad you got some inspiration! As for you @nancy.... I never stated on here a how to diy... my husband and I figured this out as we went.... We didn't have instructions and figured it out ourselves.... Appears that others figured it out, without holding anyones hand.... as for the 3/4 pvc inside... we used a 3/4 bit and wiggled it around to increase the whole size... just another way to problem solve i guess... as for the 60".... i have no idea what you mean... if the cross bar is 60" isn't it just that.... 60"?

LOVE LOVE LOVE! Those pup-tents. So bummed I can't share your creativity on Pinterest. That's where I know I can always come back to find my favorite things. Hopefully I will not "lose" you in my chaos now.Great job and thanks for the inspiration!

So simple! I love the simplicity and your directions were so straightforward - like you said if you think about it you can do it whether measurements are accurate in your post or not! Thank you! I admit I'm going to peek at doubelclique as the chain to keep them from falling on a little one sounds like a good addition although your kids look older than mine so it probably isn't a big issue for you!

FYI.. you may have found it by now but rustoleum makes a glow in the dark paint, it comes in small cans but is rechargeable! I don't see why it wouldn't work for the mason jar lanterns, will definitely be doing this for my kids, thanks so much for sharing!!

FYI rustoleum carries a glow in the dark paint, I know hd has it comes in small cans usually by the chalkboard paint, not sure about price but is rechargeable. I don't see why it wouldn't work for the mason jar lanterns. Thank you so much for sharing, I will definitely be making these for my kids!

Such a great tutorial. Thanks. I have a 10 month old so wont quite need it yet... but if she is anything like her aunt she will love to build forts... so this may be a great way to keep the mess somewhat contained lol. :)

Just stopping by with congratulations! Your project was in the top 5 most popular posts for April (yes I'm way behind!) on Fun Family Crafts! Thanks for sharing your creativity and we hope you'll submit more. If you would like to see the post and grab a TOP 5 button, you can see it here http://funfamilycrafts.com/april-2012-top-posts/ Thanks!

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Thank you for sharing such a clever post! We enjoyed testing it out and will continue to promote this excellent work!

Love the tents… plan to make a couple for Thanksgiving. I had to read and reread your directions however. It helps if you just list how many of each size you cut etc. and then maybe use Step 1 etc. The long narrative is difficult to decipher.